Although we worried that this year’s Barnes Fair would mainly be remembered for its fencing and its flooding…and indeed there were a lot of last-minute adjustments to be made for the wet ground – in then end it will be remembered for far more than this. The 2016 Fair was floral-themed and The Friends of Barnes Common created beautiful hanging baskets and displays for the BCA Marquee which was decorated for the first time! The floats in the Grand Parade were full of children dressed as flowers, plants and trees – and in the case of the winning school, St Osmund’s, lots of bumblebees too! Than you to everyone who helped with them – as usual a lot of work went into the costumes. We were delighted that the Mayor of Richmond officially opened the Fair and from then on, it was non-stop action! The live music on the Bandstand included Barnes Community Choir, rock and roll courtesy of Buddy Flame & The Rockets and modern jazz from Richmond Music Trust; over on the Events stage we were treated to wonderfully creative performances from pupils from Kew Dance Arts, Barnes Ballet School and Butterfly Ballet. Meanwhile, traditional Punch and Judy shows and funfair entertainments including the Gallopers, Hook a Duck and the Helter Skelter ensured a village fair atmosphere throughout Barnes Green. As ever, the shopping was a major attraction and stalls selling everything from plants to jewellery to hats to children’s clothes did a roaring trade. Food-wise, Barnes favourites The Depot, The Brown Dog and The Treehouse all had long queues of people and there was also plenty of Pimm’s, real ale and floral-themed cocktails to enjoy. This was the 42nd Barnes Fair, organised by Barnes Community Association and the principal sponsor was Barnes Property Partnership. Funds raised this year will go to the Friends of Barnes Common plus other local charities. Planning for the 2017 Barnes Fair begins in January with the theme being confirmed then.